Page 18 of Bargain with Fate
Justine rolled her eyes. “He’s more of a drama queen than Hera and Aphrodite combined.”
“Which language?” I asked.
“All of them,” she replied.
“All of them?”
“Each one has its own streak, though. I started with Japanese, so that one’s the longest. I’m a number-one Achiever—what do you expect?”
“A number one?”
“Clifton Strengths.”
“Is that a personality test?”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “I didn’t make you take the test before I hired you?”
“No.”
“Huh. I think everybody on the island should be required to take it. If they know their top strengths and weaknesses, it will help them be more productive.”
“I don’t think anyone on the island is looking to be productive at this stage.” Nor should they. The Neighbors had earned their retirement. “Is that why you asked me to come? You want to know my strengths and weaknesses?” I crossed my fingers and toes.
“No, although it’s not a bad idea. We should add it to your annual performance review.” Justine set her phone aside and focused on me. I shifted uncomfortably in the chair. If Zach broke our deal and blabbed to Justine, the frying pan would quickly become the fire.
“How’s everything on your end?” Justine asked.
I was immediately on high alert. Was this normal pleasantry, or was she walking me into a trap? It was hard to tell the difference with Justine.
“Busy,” I said, which was true.
“Then I thank you for taking time out of your schedule to meet with me.” She sounded more mocking than grateful. “What about the blue and green monsters? Have they been taken care of?”
“No more sightings. They seem to be omens.” I omitted the seer sisters’ visions. They weren’t clear enough to relay.
“Bad omens? Should we be battening down the hatches?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing that serious,” I lied, mainly to avoid being the object of Justine’s ire.
“Really? Because ‘bad omens’ makes them sound like their entire reason for existence is to incite fear in people.”
“Bad omens would be a great name for a band,” Lionel’s voice chimed in from the speaker.
“Serious comments only.” Justine punched a button on the phone to silence him.
I was grateful for the interruption because it allowed me to redirect her. “The only other noteworthy report this week is from Stella Von Hagen.”
Justine pursed her lips together. “Stella Von Hagen is one of our more important Neighbors.”
By “important,” Justine meant “wealthy.” “Which is why I flagged it as noteworthy,” I said.
“What’s the issue?”
“I’m not sure it falls under my jurisdiction. The other party involved is on the mainland, most likely in Savannah.”
“Have you contacted the local police on her behalf?”
“I’m not sure it falls under their jurisdiction either. It appears to be magical in nature.”
